Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Golden Valley Health Center in Merced has been awarded nearly $10 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to construct a new facility that will specifically target the health care needs of seniors.

The Center was among 85 health centers nationwide to receive funding through grants that were announced in Washington by President Obama today. For Golden Valley Health Center, the $9.6 million grant will fund construction of a 27,000-square-foot facility at its site at Childs Avenue and N Street in South Merced. The new center will serve a total of 7,000 patients, with planned space for 4,500 seniors.

Construction will likely begin in four or five months, take a year to complete and create 200 construction jobs while underway. Additionally, the new facility will result in 30 new staff positions once completed.

“This is a wonderful Christmas present for Merced, especially South Merced,” said Golden Valley Health Center Chief Executive Officer Mike Sullivan. “This was a very competitive process. It was incredibly exciting to hear the news today that we had received this funding. It will specifically help us provide comprehensive care to our senior citizens and at the same time create jobs when we most need them in the San Joaquin Valley.”

Congressman Cardoza congratulated Sullivan and Golden Valley Health Centers for their receipt of the grant.

“This funding was only awarded to a select number of projects that had the demonstrated ability to help provide jobs while improving health care,” said Congressman Cardoza. “Golden Valley Health Center can be duly proud and our community should be equally pleased. The health center has played a crucial role in meeting the health care needs of our community. While creating new jobs, this will allow them to expand and meet the needs of our growing population of seniors.”